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2006 08 11

Beginning Today Our View Of The Waterfont Will Change Forever

After years of waiting for something to happen on the waterfront today is the day when it all changes. Today at 1:00 PM, the Mayor in support of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Commission, is launching what is called the "largest art installation ever in Toronto..." Here are the details:

What may be the largest art installation ever in Toronto, the transformation calls for the closure of the south side of Queens Quay to traffic between Spadina and York Street. Car traffic will be replaced with bicycle lanes and a kilometer-long stretch of 12,000 geraniums and picnic grass. Two four-storey sculptures built with bicycles will highlight the temporary new section of the popular Martin Goodman trail.

Free events will include waterfront tours aboard a tall ship, canoeing and kayaking lessons, as well as outdoor movie nights and live concerts. Highlights include a kid’s bike decorating event and parade, professional sand sculpting and “rock art”, as well as a 5K family fun run. Visit http://www.towaterfront.ca for downloadable event listings or call 416-214-1480 for daily event updates.

The temporary installation is part of a permanent design that will transform Queens Quay by providing continuous public access along the water’s edge and extending the Martin Goodman Trail. The design was the unanimous winner of a juried competition won in June by a team led by West 8 urban design & landscape architecture, which includes Toronto-based firm du Toit Allsopp Hillier.

TWRC’s Campbell says Quay to the City ensures Torontonians receive a taste of the new design as soon as possible, while also providing valuable usage data that can be incorporated into the final design. The design is one of several waterfront revitalization projects supported by the three levels of government.

Schedule of Quay to the City and other Harbourfront-based events
August 11 to 20 (visit http://www.towaterfront.ca for full and downloadable event listings)

FRIDAY AUGUST 11 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 13

Harbourfront Centre’s Hot & Spicy Food Festival – All day

This hugely popular event includes food demos and classes, food-inspired music, a cook-off between Toronto chefs, fire dancers and tongue sizzling dips and sauces at the Red Hot Market.

Free hour and a half-long boat tour of Toronto’s central waterfront. Tours leave from York Quay at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.. First come, first serve. Arrive half an hour in advance to secure a seat.

TUESDAY AUGUST 15 AND THURSDAY AUGUST 17
Free Flicks by the Lake – 8:45 p.m.
The lakeside Concert Stage at Harbourfront Centre is the venue for Quay to the City’s free water-themed movies on Tuesday and Thursday evening. Jaws is set for Aug 15 and the original Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl for August 17.

FRIDAY AUGUST 18 TO SUNDAY AUGUST 20
Harbourfront Centre’s Ho-Hai-Yan Taiwan! – All Day

Experience all that Ho-Hai-Yan means. Distinct culture including Aboriginal music and dance and a Taiwanese-Canadian cookout. Visit http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com for further details.

SATURDAY AUGUST 19
Children’s Bike Parade - 10:30 a.m.
Children and their families are invited to bring their decorated bikes to celebrate biking on Toronto’s central waterfront. Staging area on Queens Quay at Lower Simcoe. Participants should arrive by 10:00 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. start to the parade. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated bikes.

SATURDAY AUGUST 19 AND SUNDAY AUGUST 20
Voyageur Canoe Rides at John Quay – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Take a look at the city from a different perspective and join in a Voyageur Canoe ride. Sign up on site to secure a spot for you and your friends. Children accompanied by adults are welcome. No paddling experience required. Boats departing every hour on the hour.

Canoe and Kayak Paddle on Natrel Pond – 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Stop in for free 20-minute canoe and kayak rides in the safety of the three-foot deep pond. Children accompanied by adults are welcome. Kayaks are available for children 10 years and older.

SUNDAY AUGUST 20
5K Family FUN Run
Toronto families can lace up their running shoes on Sunday morning for a non-competitive 5K FUN Run along the waterfront. Treats will be served for everyone after the race. Registration details will be available the week of July 31 on http://www.towaterfront.ca.